Facebook CEO forms group to expand Internet access

By MCT News Service

Facebook Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a new tech industry alliance that will work to cut the cost of delivering mobile Internet access to the billions around the world who have no way of getting online.

Zuckerberg outlined plans for an industrywide effort aimed at lowering the cost of smartphone service and tackling other business and technical hurdles that stand in the way of delivering Internet access in less developed parts of the world.

Other members of the coalition include mobile phone manufacturers Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung, as well as chipmaker Qualcomm and mobile-browser company Opera.

The announcement is the latest move by the young tech mogul to establish a leadership role on issues beyond Silicon Valley.